HOME / CULTURE / LANGUAGE

Language

English is the official language of Guyana, which is the only English speaking South American country.

Guyanese Creole (an English-based creole with African, Indian, and Amerindian syntax) is also widely spoken in Guyana. There are many sub-dialects of Guyanese creole which exist based on individuals’ geographical location, race and ethnicity.

​

Guyanese Hindustani is preserved and spoken by some Indo-Guyanese for cultural and religious reasons. Guyanese Bhojpuri, on which Hindustani is based, may be used by older generations, in folk songs, or in a limited way in the home.

​

A number of Amerindian languages is also spoken by a minority of the population. These include Cariban languages such as Macushi, Akawaio and Wai-Wai and Arawakan languages such as Arawak (or Lokono) and Wapishana.

​

It is reported that due to the growing presence of Cubans and Venezuelans in the country, Spanish is heard more and more frequently especially in Georgetown and Barima-Waini/Region 1. Portuguese is also increasingly being used as a second language in Guyana, particularly in the south of the country, bordering on Brazil.  Spanish, Portuguese and French are taught in most secondary schools.